Scotland’s Only Single Estate Farm Distillery Debuts Cask Strength Whisky Limited to Just 2,400 Bottles

One of Scotland’s smallest distilleries introduces its first cask strength scotch whisky. (Photo: Daftmill)

On Monday, Hotaling & Co.-owned scotch whisky producer Daftmill unveiled its latest creation to the U.S. market: Daftmill 2010 Cask Strength. Crafted from a combination of 15 first-fill ex-bourbon casks, this offering boasts a robust 58.7% ABV and a limited release of just 2,400 bottles.

Daftmill Distillery, located near Cupar in Fife’s Howe of Fife, was established in 2005 by brothers Francis and Ian Cuthbert. According to a press release, the family-owned distillery has played a key role in revitalizing Lowland Malt distilleries, with the number growing from 2 to over 20 active or planned. Daftmill operates seasonally, crafting around 100 casks annually from barley cultivated on-site. It stands as one of Scotland’s smallest distilleries and has earned the title “Single Estate Farm Distillery.”

Daftmill released its inaugural whisky in 2018 after 12 years of maturation. The 2010 Cask Strength expression, distilled between January and July 2010, represents the brand’s first cask strength offering in the U.S., also aged for 12 years.

Daftmill 2010 Tasting Notes, Via the Brand

Nose: Lashings of vanilla essence and spiced custard, evolving over time into honeyed beeswax, sweet lemon candy, apricot jam, and hints of fresh cake dough

Palate: Spicy oak balanced with fruitier distillate notes, giving way to caramelized brown sugar, toffee and hints of mashed banana and marzipan

Finish: Dominant notes of wood spice with waves of warming cinnamon and dried ginger

“Daftmill is renowned for its dedication to authenticity and craft as a true Scottish farm-to-bottle single malt,” shared Hotaling & Co CEO Dan Leese in the press release.

“We pride ourselves on bringing exceptional spirits from around the world to American consumers, and this new cask strength expression from Daftmill will be sure to appeal to every whisky collector.”

Hotaling & Co., based in San Francisco, is a distiller and importer of spirits. Founded in 1993 as Anchor Distilling Company, it helped revived copper pot distilling in the U.S. with craft introductions like Junipero Gin and Old Potrero Rye. Named after A.P. Hotaling, a spirits dealer during the gold rush, Hotaling & Co.’s portfolio also includes Luxardo products, Nikka Whisky and Hirsch Selected Whiskeys.

Daftmill 2010 Cask Strength will be available in the U.S. starting in June, with a suggested retail price of $324.99 per 700-ml bottle.

Join the Whiskey Raiders Bottle of the Month Club, where you will receive hard-to-find bottles curated by Whiskey Raiders staff with a 90+ rating on whiskeyraiders.com plus live virtual tastings. Sign up here!